MEET THE FOUNDERS

Judith Stewart

Co-Founder | Educator | Family & Mental Health Consultant

For decades, Judith Stewart has worked with children and families, providing coaching and counseling around early childhood learning interventions and student learning challenges.

Her professional experience has shaped SME's commitment to creating an environment where education, creativity, personal development, and community support intersect.

Judith's journey to establish the Music Emporium also reflects the persistence behind the organization itself.

With assistance from Greater Chatham Initiative, she pursued funding through the City of Chicago's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund multiple times. Although an early application received an award, financing prevented the project from moving forward.

She continued.

After several additional applications, SME successfully secured another Neighborhood Opportunity Fund award—with the financing necessary to move the project toward construction and completion.

Her persistence is now helping turn a decades-long family connection to 79th Street into a resource for the entire community.

Gregory Stewart, Jr.

Co-Founder | Vocalist | Musician | Music & Talent Director

For Gregory Stewart, Jr., music has always been more than entertainment.

As a young child experiencing speech delays, music became an important part of his development. Through music, Gregory began to speak—and sing.

That early connection ultimately became a career.

As a professional vocalist and musician, Gregory's work has taken him throughout Chicago, across the United States, and internationally to Japan. His performance experience includes appearances at Black Ensemble Theater, Trinity United Church of Christ, and New Life Covenant Church.

Today, he is bringing those experiences home to 79th Street.